Peterborough Blogs
With patient volumes above 100 percent of the hospital’s funded bed capacity over the past year, Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) has made the decision to open an additional 24 unfunded inpatient beds later this month.
This past spring and summer, however, patient numbers have continued to exceed hospital capacity, prompting the Health Centre to open 24 unfunded beds on a year-round basis.
TVO's Steve Paikin Speaking At Showplace November 21st
/Showplace presents "An Evening with Steve Paikin" on November 21st as he shares the stories behind the creation of his most recent book on the life of former Ontario Premier William Davis.
Steve is the host of TVO’s flagship current affairs show, The Agenda with Steve Paikin, and one of the most celebrated observers of political life in Ontario. He is also chancellor of Laurentian University, a distinguished visiting professor at Ryerson University, an officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Order of Ontario and a frequent moderator of nationally televised political debates.
Showplace invites you to engage with Steve in a lively discussion of his 584-page book—the first authorized biography of Ontario’s 18th Premier, Bill Davis—entitled Bill Davis: Nation Builder, and Not So Bland After All.
Davis is remembered fondly as the father of the community college system, TVO, OISE, and as an indispensable player in the repatriation of the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
To get tix for his November 21st appearance at Showplace, visit the website or dial 705.742.7469.
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Stock Up For Thanksgiving At Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market
/Hit up the Downtown Farmers’ Market on Wednesday, October 4th to stock up on all your Thanksgiving grocery needs with all the best local produce, meats, cheeses and products our region has to offer.
In addition, local potter Carolyn Cisco will be on-hand offering pottery demonstrations between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Watch or receive a 10 minute hands-on lesson! (6+, weather permitting).
Only four weeks remain in what's been another great season for the Peterborough Downtown Farmers' Market. The last market for this year is on October 25th. Come on down to stock up on all your favourite products, thank your farmers, and bring someone who hasn’t visited yet.
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Grand Opening Ceremony For Trent U's Awesome New Student Centre Recognizes Generosity Of Trent Community
/The vision of Trent University students past and present has now become a reality as the green carpet was rolled out on Friday (September 28th), and the doors to the highly-anticipated Trent University Student Centre opened at the grand opening ceremony of the new building.
New Student Centre. Photo by Trent Central Student Association
“The Student Centre is a partnership between the University, its students and donors who care about Trent," says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "In that way, the Student Centre is a physical manifestation of what Trent is.”
“We’re delighted with the building that has resulted and look forward to its future use as space for our growing student body, offering new places where they can collaborate, learn and grow,” Groarke adds.
Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada
THE BACKSTORY BEHIND TRENT STUDENT CENTRE
In spring 2013, a forward-thinking cohort of Trent students voted yes to a levy that would provide $10.5 million to fund the new Student Centre, and set the wheels in motion for the new building.
New Student Centre. Photo via Trent University
This funding, combined with an outpouring of philanthropic support from the Trent community including, the Board of Governors, faculty, staff, and alumni—as well as University contributions—helped complete the $16 million project.
Trent University President Dr. Leo Groarke speaking at Trent Student Centre opening, with Otonabee River as backdrop (photo via Marilyn Burns, Trent University)
“The commitment from Trent students to bring this building to fruition inspired an outpouring of support. The Student Centre Challenge engaged staff and faculty, Trent’s Board of Governors, and alumni to make a gift towards the campaign,” says Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations and Advancement at Trent.
“As a result, we have yet another beautiful and inspiring space on campus thanks to the generosity and spirit of the Trent family.”
Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada
Designed to connect with the beautiful, existing architecture at Trent University, the aesthetic of the new building honours the historic Ron Thom architecture of the Symons Campus, while offering a new space for students to learn and thrive on campus.
A few unique features and spaces in the new building include:
-> Use of glass throughout the building and its open-concept floorplan create a connected feeling on the inside while providing stunning views of the Otonabee River.
-> State-of-the-art lecture halls, adding 360 new seats to Trent University, including: Stohn Hall, a two-storey, 200-seat lecture theatre named in honour of alumnus Stephen Stohn ’66; a 60-seat Active Learning Classroom, equipped with projectors, whiteboards and moveable seating; and another 100-seat, tiered lecture hall
-> Wide variety of formal and informal student spaces—the first floor resembles a student café with a collection of round tables and chairs and lounge furniture; the second floor features barstool study spaces overlooking the atrium and river and dedicated spaces for silent study; and the third floor offers more group study space
-> A variety of outdoor spaces to use such as a patio located on the outside of the main floor of the building, connecting to Founder’s Walk and a second-floor balcony that overlooks the river
-> Multi-purpose event space with moveable furniture and access to an outdoor patio space
-> On-site Starbucks
-> New home for the Trent Central Student Association, clubs and groups
Photo by Neil Morton, PTBOCanada
The grand opening ceremony saw over 300 students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members gather to tour and celebrate the stunning new addition to Trent's Symons campus.
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Rocks With A Message Appear At The Trent University Nature Areas
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Fun decorative rocks have started appearing along the trails at the Trent University Nature Areas. Have you seen them? Discovered more? Let us know!
Love Lives Here: Peterborough Statement Of Unity Gaining Hundreds Of Signatures
/Peterborough has responded to an anti-immigration "rally" planned by a few individuals for September 30th with a massive show of force, unity and love.
A huge and growing network of Peterborough businesses, organizations and individuals are drowning out the "rally" with the announcement of a Solidarity Weekend—"Love Lives Here", taking place September 29th to October 1st.
Community members and organizations have been meeting and gathering support over the past couple of weeks to organize a response to the "rally", and an online Statement of Unity is gaining momentum with hundreds of signatures from organizations and individuals.
As well, Mayor Daryl Bennett released this statement on the anti-immigration "rally":
“We must stand together against racism and hate. While our Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects freedom of expression, it also seeks to preserve and enhance our multicultural heritage. I trust that our law enforcement agencies will monitor and take action if any situations cross over to the promotion of hate or the advocacy of violence. The freedom of expression is not absolute.
Canada is a nation that was built on immigration. Our farms, our towns and our cities have grown and have flourished through the contributions of immigrants, their children, and their children’s children. To advocate against immigration is to advocate against what defines us as a country.
City Staff received an application for a park rental for a rally. The City is unable to deny an applicant the opportunity to hold a non-violent rally against immigration policies and the Trudeau government. However, the City has notified the police of the event and they have informed the City that they will monitor the situation.
I would assume that these individuals want to create controversy and get media attention. The last time one of these individuals was part of a rally in Peterborough it involved four people standing on a corner. We don’t want to raise the profile of these individuals.
The Peterborough community has responded appropriately to this latest action by showing compassion and support for diversity through creative events such as the Chalk Out Hate initiative that will be held on Friday.”
History teaches us we must not stand by idly: Sign the Statement of Unity here, and spread the word.
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United Way Youth Ambassador Faith Dickinson Presents Cuddle Blankets To Women At New Canadians Centre
/Faith Dickinson believes gratitude can transcend language and cultural barriers.
She would know.
At just 15 years of age, the Lakefield, Ont., teen has been heralded throughout the world for providing warmth and care to cancer patients with her hand-made “Cuddles for Cancer” blankets.
Faith Dickinson with her plaid fleece cuddle blankets at NCC
Just a few months ago, the Grade 10 Thomas A. Stewart student was presented the inaugural Diana Award at St. James Palace in London by both Princes Harry and William. Faith was among 20 youth to receive the prestigious award founded on the late Princess Diana’s belief that young people have the power to change the world.
Having sewn more than 3,500 fleece blankets that have been sent all across Canada, the United States, France, England and Australia, Faith has also created a signature blanket for soldiers overseas and those suffering from injuries or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many of these blankets have been sent to Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Left to right: Hend Altech, United Way Youth Ambassador Faith Dickinson, United Way Chair Neil Morton, Malaka Tonbakj, Abir Al Hattab and Sabah Alhamwi
Extending warmth and comfort to newcomer women from Syria, Cuddles for Cancer and United Way Youth Ambassador Faith Dickinson demonstrates the power of community
Faith—who is Youth Ambassador (a newly-created role) for the 76th Annual United Way of Peterborough Campaign—recently presented four of her cuddle blankets to clients of the New Canadians Centre (NCC).
“I’m a bit nervous meeting these women,” Faith explains, unfolding the blankets—two of which were made of plaid fleece. “My mom and I thought it would be fun to highlight the campaign theme which is anything and everything plaid.”
Abir Al Hattab receives a fleece "cuddle" blanket from United Way Youth Ambassador, Faith Dickinson
Initiated by Campaign Chair Neil Morton (co-founder of PTBOCanada.com), the plaid thread is running throughout the United Way of Peterborough campaign, including the launch on Tuesday, September 19th where most of the capacity crowd dressed in the fabric at the Evinrude Centre.
A partner agency that receives funding from the United Way, the NCC is a federally-designated welcome centre for Syrian refugees. To date, close to 350 Syrians have arrived in Peterborough, more than half of this number being children.
Faith and Hend Altech share a hug.
“I don’t speak Arabic,” Faith explains quietly, smiling at the four women who have gathered in the main space at the NCC. In addition to having fled their war-torn homeland, these four women—Hend Altech, Malaka Tonbakj, Abir Al Hattab and Sabah Alhamwi—face their own personal struggles with cancer, scleroderma, disability as well as the loneliness and feelings of despair associated with starting over in a new country where you don’t know anyone, or speak the language.
“I want these women to feel comfort and support and welcomed by myself and our community," says Faith. "I want them to know we understand what a struggle it’s been to get here to build a life for themselves and their families. I hope by presenting them with the blankets, it will convey what I want to say.”
Faith presents plaid cuddle blanket to Malaka Tonbakj.
And it did. Despite language barriers, Faith’s welcoming message of love and support was received—loud and clear. “When I handed them their blankets, they put their hands over their hearts as if to say thank you,” she says. A powerful expression of gratitude transcending language and cultural barriers, the warmth and comfort extended to these women was felt by everyone present.
“It was very moving both for myself and my Mom and Dad,” adds Faith. “One of the women, Hend, wanted to have her picture taken with me to send to her family who are still living in Syria. She kept nodding and smiling at me. And then she called me habibti (an Arabic term of affection) and we all started laughing and calling one another habibti. It was a lot of fun. I won’t forget it.”
—guest post by Carol Lawless
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Homecoming & Head Of The Trent Regatta This Weekend
/Trent U's annual Homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta takes place September 29th to October 1st, and features alumni activities, campus tours, varsity sports and the largest single day head race in North America—all free to spectators and fans.
Photo Courtesy Trent University
“Homecoming and the Head of the Trent Regatta is a weekend of fun and celebration at Trent and in Peterborough,” says Lee Hays ’91, director of Alumni Affairs. “It’s an opportunity for alumni and their families to come back to campus, to reconnect, and to cheer on the Excalibur on the water and in Justin Chiu Stadium.”
Photo courtesy Trent University
This year, to kick-off the weekend, Trent will celebrate the official opening of the new state of the art Student Centre, featuring a green carpet roll-out where donors and supporters will be honoured. There will also be live music, student performances, refreshments and interactive entertainment at the Centre.
The annual weekend has grown to feature not only rowing, but also a full slate of varsity and alumni games including lacrosse, rugby, soccer and volleyball. This year varsity games start on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. for Men’s Rugby and continue on Saturday with Women’s Rugby, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Soccer, and Men’s Lacrosse running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Justin Chiu Stadium. The rowing regatta starts at 8 a.m.
Photo Courtesy Trent University
Highlights of the 2017 Homecoming & Head of the Trent Regatta include:
-> Student Centre Grand Opening: Friday night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., to celebrate this much anticipated new building.
-> Alumni: Visit the Alumni welcome tents on the Bata Library podium to pick up your Alumni bracelet for special perks, take part in giveaways, purchase swag and visit the Alumni Kid’s, or enjoy live music at the Alumni Pub Gathering in the Ceilie.
-> Varsity Sports: Stop by the Justin Chiu Stadium and the Athletics Centre, wear your Trent green, and cheer on the Excalibur.
-> Campus Tours: Prospective students are invited to experience the spirit of the Trent campus and community. Tours run hourly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday from the Athletics Centre.
-> Rowing, rowing and more rowing: Visit hotr.ca for the full rowing schedule, start times, results and more information about the history of the Regatta.
-> Rower’s Beer Garden: Saturday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., located in Lot G behind Lady Eaton College. Enjoy live music and food, and collect this year's Head of the Trent mug.
Photo Courtesy Trent University
QUICK FACTS ABOUT HOTR
-> The Head of the Trent Regatta is one of the largest single day regattas in North America.
-> Created in 1971 by Trent alumnus Chris Leach ‘70, today Head of the Trent includes over 430 boats, and 1,700 athletes from more than 50 clubs and universities across Canada and the northern United States.
-> Races take place on the Trent-Severn Waterway, starting at the Parkhill Road Bridge and winding through the Trent Canal to finish at the Faryon Bridge on Trent’s campus.
[Related: 39 Signs You Went To Trent U]
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Rotary Club Of Peterborough Installs Buddy Bench At St. Catherines Elementary School
/The Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha presented its first Rotary Buddy Bench to St. Catherines Catholic Elementary School Principal Shelley Adair and the staff and students of the school.
Nate Loch, a former student there and the inspiration for the project, shared candidly with the group in the school library his past experiences in both elementary and high school regarding bullying—of being both the victim and the perpetrator of bullying.
Left to Right: Donna Geary, Rotary Club of Peterborough Kawartha; Donna’s son, Nate Loch; Past President Kim Winter; St. Catherines Principal Shelley Adair; Rotary Club President Len Lifchus.
